Thailand's 'Michael Jackson' jailed over fatal drink-driving crash

Thailand’s “Michael Jackson” moniker became part of a criminal case after a court sentenced singer Manasawin Nantasen, also known as Tik Shiro, to two years for a fatal drunk-driving crash. On June 24, the Bangkok Criminal Court found him guilty of drink driving resulting in loss of life. In October 2024, he was driving across a bridge in Bangkok when he hit a stationary motorbike, killing a 28-year-old woman and knocking her 21-year-old brother off the bridge. Police said the brother later died in hospital. A viral video showed the 64-year-old kneeling in grief at the scene. The court said he surrendered and provided helpful testimony, attended the victims’ funeral, and paid compensation, while revoking his driving licence. The ruling comes amid wider public concern about unequal accountability for powerful figures.